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0-9 during his first season. Did Damien Hardwick flinch? Did he f ...k. This afternoon Richmond completely demolished flag fancy Hawthorn at the MCG. A massive win for that club, their supporters and their future. Here's what Hardwick had to say recently about his counterpart Mark Neeld. http://www.afl.com.a...39/default.aspx "Mark knows what he's trying to do. It's just going to take time. We were in exactly the same situation when we were 0-9. You could see the pieces of the puzzle come together slowly. It does take time for a playing group to get the game plan you're trying to implement. "Mark will be feeling flat at some stages, but he'll get there. He's very, very thorough. He'll continue on his pathway. He won't deviate from it and that's what will get the job done for him." I'd like to hear what Rudeboy, Grand New Flag and the other 'destabilizers' have to say about this these comments and what they mean for the MFC.

I don't know if Neeld is the man to help us find that elusive 13th flag, or even to drag us up into finals contention, but I'll back him 100% for now. I'm 40, I've supported the dees since the mid 70's and while we might've looked good at times, we've always been fickle. Even during the Northey years, which are mythologised a bit around here, we'd manage to lose 3 or 4 on the trot with insipid performances at some stage during the year. Our players have always seemed to relax whenever they get a pat on the back, the hunger has never seemed to be there. We've all heard the rumours over the years, "hollywood boulevard", arrogant players that think being an AFL player is enough. Our culture is pathetic, and as much as it hurts us fans, we all know it's the truth. Finally we've got a coach that is willing to take that on. Willing to butt heads with our soft, pampered, arrogant, senior players before they pass that poisoned mindset on to yet another generation of Melbourne players. I'll back Neeld because the players have lost me. I can handle being crap, 08-10 wasn't that bad because you could see the effort, especially from our senior blokes, but it hasn't been there for a long time. The players have a choice, get on board or GTFO. The AFL is a tough competitive environment, we need tough, competitive players. If training is too hard, if adhering to structures is too hard, if going when it's your turn is too hard, if being disciplined on and off the field is too hard, then playing for Melbourne is too hard, GTFO.

That is the biggest load of crap I've heard on this site....Defensive footy has been mastered by every team that has played off at a grand final for the past 20 years....and we are just learning it.......Also, all on this site have donated money time and effort into this club for many many years......Neeld only fault is that he was not appointed 5 years ago......If he had we would be a strong ,competitive club.......I take it you will be putting your name up at the next election??????

We will need a recruiting manager next year too

As a Pom, a cricket fan, and a trumpet player I can understand given recent sporting events. However, having grown up in pommy land in a time when going to football (soccer) often wasn't a family option due to the idiocy of fans and their violent nature, I never got to enjoy the whole experience of a great family day out at the footy watching my team. In this country, and this code however I've always found it to be a fantastic event where the whole family gets involved from newborn to senior and is a wonderful part of Melbournes city lifestyle. If some twit in a velvet smoking jacket can add a bit to the sense of occasion and team pride then play on I reckon

You're right. Hence the nod to Rpfc with my sig. But it's not blind faith. It's genuine belief. I expect Neeld to come under significantly more fire over the next three weeks as we will in all likelihood get well beaten by Carl/Ess/Coll. You can see that there's a movement on here agitating for his dismissal. The Old Guard who are resisting change and don't want to put in the hard yards to change the culture of the club.

Just get on board Hardnut and back in your coach to succeed. It's as simple as that.

Why in the world would we contract anyone, however good at the job, for this club-future-defining "super-draft" when he won't be able to get involved? Do we use another "fill-in" for such a pivotal moment? If true this must be one of the very worst decisions our Board have ever made. Please tell me this isn't true.

what's with all the Rudeboy bashing ? and why do people think he's writing on LJ's behalf ? surely he's allowed his own opinion ?

Just a thought on Bennell... I recall watching his debut game against North in 09 in which the ginger ninja looked like a promising half back defender with 20 odd disposals and repelling attack after attack. I don't think Bennel got much of the ball that game (much like today), but one piece of play still sticks out in my mind. Near the defensive 50 on the wing, Bennell scooped up the ball at pace and proceeded to evade two North players, complete a 180 degree turn (as no one was there to provide an option) and nailed a 30 metre sizzling pace onto the chest of a Melbourne player down the line. I thought to myself, geez this kid has something. He is now 54 games into his career and needs to be influencing games a lot more with his line breaking pace. A Bennell with 15 - 20 damaging disposals would do wonders for our fortunes and I can't help but be reminded of Geelong and the faith they had in Travis Varcoe. He was entrusted with the Number 5 jumper and big things were expected of him. On the training track he was tearing it up and no one could figure it out why he couldn't put it all together on game day. Then of course a couple years ago he exploded onto the scene and started to become a damaging player. I'm sure Bailey had similar faith in this kid with his unconditional run of games and promotion to the number 7 jumper, however its hard to judge where he sits currently in Neelds mind. I hope he makes it.

The entire process seems an entire " balls up". Who knows what really happened? Would you be as annoyed if Melbourne were 4 and 4 now? To be annoyed seems to be saying you're not happy with the current coach? If you aren't happy then that's pretty normal emotion. zip and 8 with and average losing margin of 57 points and playing a style of football without much passion, system or leadership. As Neeld said "can turn quickly" . This comment I will hold onto because it's so true. Melbourne can't be that bad. Perhaps Neeld DOES have something up his sleeve? I have followed Dees since 66 and defended our team with gusto in most forums, school, workplace and among friends. This forum is different. Much different. In this forum one can't open one's heart and convey exactly what we feel without the risk of suffering online bullying by Hardliners who should know better. To suggest Neeld should not be the coach is an opinion and there huge arguments supporting both sides. This forum will only hear one side. this is part of the purpose of this forum or is it simply to defend MFC position come hell or high water ie refer to any Journo as a hasbeen etc if they don't tow the demonland line ie Caro, Sheehan, King, Roos, Thomas, Whover else. The past few days I have drawn the conclusion we have appointed MN now and have to move on and support him. Time will tell. For me for what its worth I feel the appointment was rushed however we must get behind the Guy. I don't hate him. A few in this forum need to rid the massive CHIP's on shoulders and not simply label Journo's as [censored] simply because they don't agree with populist view in Demonland and then jump up in and laud another Journo when he writes a positive article about Melbourne. In other words the Journo is only any good if compliments whatever the MFC is doing. Not short of Bullies in this forum along with long term Demonlanders prepared to get nasty with insults if we don't tow the line and agree with the that particular persons view. Blues are well down on best form right now. On the eve of the match I have recollections of Dees V Blues post Tsunami when Dees Banded together for Troy Broadbridge. Lets hope for a repleat of that outcome because if the group truly does support Neeld as they say in the media then should go to the wire! Go Dees! Another 10 goal+ loss against a team also well down on confidence won't cut it.

What do you think they're just throwing around tennis balls at training? The focus has changed dramatically from the stylish attacking but unaccountable footy we've seen over the last couple of years to basic foundational crap in areas of fitness, defensive pressure and a desire to constantly improve that we were seriously behind in when Neeld & co rocked up. It's like Bailey taught us to swim starting with butterfly and everyone went "that'll do I'm fkn ace now" then Neeld came in, went wtf mate? and sent everyone back to the pool to learn how to tread water. Who doesn't love analogies?

Hold on. First things first, at that point Mick Malthouse was still a man in a job. Let's remember that. It would have been the height of rudeness to ask Malthouse about another coaching job when he was in the heat of a finals campaign. Secondly, Ross Lyon. Now, understand that all players, coaches and media personalities work through a manager to handle contract stuff. Garry, quite rightly, went to Craig Kelly for the feeler, and Kelly suggested that it wasn't going to happen and Ross was going to stay at St Kilda. Now, Lyon went behind even his manager's back in making the Fremantle deal, to the point that Kelly parted company with R. Lyon soon after the Fremantle deal was announced.

I haven't been paying to much attention to the endless comments being made by the many football "experts" out there at the moment, many of who are lining up to put the boots into the easy target. David King was the latest to have a crack, probably the biggest crack so far, suggesting the board should come out and sack Neeld now and admit they made a massive mistake. A load of misguided, uninformed tripe like a lot of the stuff being said. One thing he did say caught my attention though. He likened Neeld to being a square peg being pushed into a round hole. He of course made out that this was the whole problem. Neeld didn't match our club in some way and therefore shouldn't be here. I actually think this is why he is at this club. We need someone like him to come in and force his way into our club, and change the shape of the hole until it is the shape it needs to be - fully professional, resilient and ready to match it with the rest of the AFL. Neeld signed up others like Misson and Craig who could help do this from a fitness and discipline area. The square peg is needed, and time needs to be given for the square peg to mould the hole into the right shape.

I'd be surprised if Tom McDonald ended the season without being nominated.

Contract negotiations with Port reported to have hit a stalemate. Hard at it Victorian midfielder, who at 23 years of age is in the perfect age bracket to be a leader within a developing list such as ours. Definitely going to have the means to get a trade done, would really like to see us have a crack at him.

No. Bluey is a stirrer, with a sense of humour.

I really like this kinda jazz - house/trance style ? I'm no expert so it is a guess . I like both tracks you posted JJ but this one especially . Here's another couple in that style - though a fair bit different . Macca 3.4 http://grooveshark.c...ht/3PMBmt?src=5 Macca 3.5 http://grooveshark.c...re/2IcVCw?src=5

Fair enough. I love your spirit and passion. At least you have a balanced assessment instead of calling for our coach/CEO/anyone else who can be blamed to be beheaded.

Well I don't belong in either of those, so how about.. 3. I have hope, desperate hope, I'm gutted at how my beloved team is traveling and want to believe, but I can't believe until I see some kind of proof, whether it's improvement, effort, or spirit, that is all I need to believe

I wont make a decision on Neeld and his direction until next season - two preseasons and time to manipulate our list. Then we can make a better assessment, before then its way to early to tell. I personally like him despite the stories from the Western Jets that he used to peal the paint off the walls with his anger.

The Coach has come from the right places....If the players are not 100% committed.....There's the door.Players have run the MFC for too long...Time for the teachers to regain the respect. i do not have Blind Faith in Mark Neeld, but if this club burns him up before he can fully implement his stamp on the team...We will suffer greatly. Before i make any solid judgement i want to see a Mark Neeld list of players...from what my sources have told me, that will take the next 2 drafts to implement.

Yeah, I mean the team is going so well, why can't the board be getting rid of our debt, or building a new state of the art training base, getting new sponsors, putting together a bigger coaching setup..... Oh wait....

I honestly don't know why you come here or barrack for the club. You are ultimately unhappy with everything. You want to blame people. Mostly Schwab. I think you'll find he has absolutely nothing to do with the on field team performance THIS year. Not sure what this lynch mob blame game achieves. It's easy to sit back and take pot shots isn't it. It takes far more courage to say you believe in something or someone and have faith. Let's face it if Neeld and the team fail then you can be pleased you were right all along. Does that make a difference? If Neeld and the club are successful I'm guessing you will begrudgingly say your glad you were wrong. Or maybe you will pretend you backed him and the club all along... Just an observation....

What the hell are you playing at, Range Rover? When there's so much to gripe about ... Garry Lyon; Ross Lyon; missing out on Sanderson/McCartney/every other coach in the land; whether we stuffed up in choosing Neeld; Cam Schwab the modern Machiavelli; recruiting; and more ... So much fodder for misery and self-flagellation ... ... and you have the hide to come on here and talk about winning. Now how about we resume normal service? Have you heard about Greece? Ain't it awful?

I think we're all aware of you views RR. You're obviously a man of your convictions and that is to be admired. Neeld has done a few good things so far but it hasn't exactly been a convincing journey so far. He is yet to show us any concrete evidence that he's a good coach. Neeld's got a 3 year contract so we've really got no other option but to back him in. I hope he's our man, I'll give him more time, but my mind is not yet made up. It's interesting that your using Damian Hardwick as a comparison. He realised early on that the gameplan wasn't working, will Neeld make any changes? Starting Over

Jeremy Howe has provided some rare highlights for us so that is enough for me at the moment,

And you'll note that most of us have not said he was either way. The only way to know is to stick true until the players eventually understand the way Neeld wants them to play. (Which, as I've said before, is taking altogether too long, IMO, but that's for a different thread.)

To me it says: make sure you draft a couple of gun midfielders from the pointy end of the draft.

Who said anything about following what Richmond have done verbatim?? All the OP points to is that we should back our man as Richmond backed theirs. Nothing more, nothing less. Given that is the case your quote above would seem to apply to yourself, Hardnut. Use your noggin old boy.

Jackie you are making missing the point of a thread into an art form. Well done again.

Don't worry about Old Dee. I will make a believer out of him yet!

OK, our new master plan. No more Geelong lite or Collingwood press. Now we will copy Richmonds game.

what is the richmond gameplan by the way? (serious question!)

Do we not think he will be advising the club and Viney on who to pick

. Newly appointed club leader Nathan Jones says hello ... http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/coach-not-to-blame-say-demons-players-20120522-1z38d.html Same goes for Grimesy, Jack.T,, Mitchy Clark and Chippa. I'm sorry that doesn't suit your agenda but yeah ... change is hard and uncomfortable. No getting around that. If you are as passionate a supporter as you lay claim to be, we will welcome you back into the fold when we have our first memorable wins against decent sides in Melbourne. This isn't going to happen in the next three weeks but make no mistake Mark Neeld is going to make this happen as he transforms this club into a genuine, hard at-it, fighting defensive unit. He has the backing of many, many supporters, plenty of whom are similarly cashed up as yourself and willing to back him in. Cheers.

Hype-hype-hype ...hyperbole.

I'm with you, especially Luke Hodge - monstrous competitive spirit. No quarter asked, none given.

It doesn't look like that to me at all. In getting - and in some cases stealing from under the noses of our competition - the likes of Misson, Craig, Leigh Brown (highly sort-after) and Mitch Clark, the actual results of our activities would indicate the exact opposite of what you're saying. We've been nothing if not proactive. So the idea that while we've been demonstratively aggressive in regards to the above, while when it comes to the most important FD appointment of all, the head coach, we've somehow rolled over ...well, it beggars belief.

What about the signing of the previous years number 1 draft pick in October of the following year, behind everyone's back and then playing for a year, while knowing you are leaving and lieing to all concerned?

I'd be happy with that too. Purely to send Brad Scott into meltdown. He's far too smug when refering to us.

If its for the reason I'm suspecting, when I played at the hawks game a couple of weeks ago, they put the tune back a bit later to right before the bounce. The audio and tv guy told me I had about a minute and a half to fill and to play the song twice through. As I was getting towards the end of the second rendition, the siren sounded and a lady from the AFL raced around the boundary Waving at me to stop. As I was so close to the end I finished the song and came off. By that time she was showing her frustration to the guys from The Melbourne FC and the only words I spoke to her were that I had been told to play the song twice by the tv guy.

I think Bennell will play as a crumbing forward this week. He has played his best footy for us there, and with Davey out we need someone with a bit of speed and flare in our forward line. I know many on Demonland can't stand Dunn, but he at least tries, which is more than you can say about Sylvia.

David King on Insider said absolutely nothing.So David King spouted what 95% of people with opinions have been saying all week. Irony is he got paid to parrot what everyone else said then added controversy by starting with the coach must go diatribe. Please if I was his producer I would demote him to AFL Teams or even After The Bounce because he might as well have phoned in the so called dissection of MFC. After copying everyone else's words Jason Dunstall plays devils advocate and ask what he would do to fix it. Answer: I don't know. Then backs down when questioned further to say he is not saying get rid of the coach, if he back pedalled any quicker he'd be able look down at his a$$ cheeks. David King the Expert that said Geelong were finished last season they were too old and could not win the flag.

I am another who hates the bugler and cringes with embarassment every time he pomps out there to play. I agree with Supermercado the flag hoist was a new low for the club and I am glad they saw the sense to ditch it after one game. I don't think they need to get rid of the bugler altogether though - what I would like to see (and what I think he originally started as) is for him to remain in the crowd and begin playing the bugle towards the end of games when we have secured a win (similar to Joffa and Kennett with their jackets except not completely stupid). Now granted this would mean we would have no need for him this year and he will end up at Centrelink in Toorak (do they even have one out that way?) but it would be a much better way to utilise him, less cringeworthy and would get the crowd involved in singing "Grand Old Flag" in the stands on the way to a win.

Over the past 5 seasons we have turned over many players, coaching staff, Medical staff, a board, new Admin staff but one thing still remains the Bugler, it is time to place the entire blame of our poor performing club onto this constant, the Bugler is our problem not our players or game play.

Stuie, you beat me to it! It's funny because in theory it's a shocker of an idea for a club thats perceived to be too white collar to have a guy in a velvet smoking jacket play the bugle before the game. In reality I kind of like it. it's one of those weird quirky sports things that feels like it could just be something we do. Why do we have the banners? I tried to explain that to a friend of mine from the US and couldn't come up with anything, yet I'd hate to see them go. Also, the irony of the Bugle Boy being the only one to show some fight and getting into a fracas with an official is not lost on me. Get that boy a jumper and some boots!

Its almost like these guys have become football shock jocks...spout the most extreme views in order to provoke an emotional response in order to gain/maintain media and public attention

Hey Guys Billy has been picked In a squad of 50 to represent SA at the U16 National Champs. The list will be cut to 25 on the 3rd of July. Fingers crossed!

He's played 17 games? C'mon, cut him some slack.